💎 The Desert Gem - Juniors Tournament 2026 💎

We are thrilled to host a Juniors Tournament for our youngest speakers — students ages 8–12
(if age 12 on or after October 1, 2025).

This is a wonderful opportunity for kids to grow in confidence, build communication skills, and shine in a supportive setting!

Parent Guidance

Parents, please use discretion when deciding if your child is ready to compete. If your child cannot yet stand and speak before judges without prompting, we recommend waiting until next year’s tournament. We want every student to have a positive and encouraging experience!

Event Fee

• $25 for the first event
• $10 for each additional event

Students may compete in all four events! 

Junior Events

Pattern I:

• Junior Impromptu
• Junior Slam Poetry

Pattern II

• Junior Apologetics 
• Junior Cold Reading

Cold Reading:  Competitors will receive a one-page selection of age-appropriate literature to read aloud to the judges. There is a 2-minute prep time for the student to review the selection before presenting it aloud to the judges using creativity and vocal intonation. 

Slam Poetry: Competitors perform a memorized poem, either written by the student or selected from another author. (No script submission)

Apologetics Questions

• C1Q1 What does it mean that God is triune? Why is this important?
• C1Q2 What does it mean that God is omniscient? Why is this important?
• C1Q3 What does it mean that God is omnipresent? Why is this important?
• C1Q4 What does it mean that God is immutable? Why is this important?
• C1Q8 What evidence is there for the existence of God in our physical universe?
• C1Q9 What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the Messiah? Why is this important?
• C1Q10 Is there historical evidence for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? Why is this
• important?
• C1Q11 Why is it important that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man?
• C2Q5 What does it mean to forgive? Why is this important?
• C2Q10 What is the importance of prayer?
• C2Q11 If Christians are saved by faith, why do works matter?
• C4Q11 Can a person do enough good in their life to get into heaven?
• C6Q8 Is there more than one way to heaven?

Time Limits

• Impromptu is three minutes (no penalty for going over), two minute prep time 
• Apologetics is four minutes (no penalty for going over), three minute prep time
• Cold Reading is three minutes (no penalty for going over), two minute prep time 
• Slam Poetry is three minutes (no penalty for going over)

Judging

Our wonderful community judges will be evaluating junior events. They’re excited to encourage and support our youngest speakers!

Deadlines & Refunds

All tournament deadlines, refunds, and drop policies apply to the Juniors Tournament as well.
Please check the main tournament page for details.

Attire

Dress in your Sunday best! We want our Juniors to feel confident and look sharp as they present.

Awards

Every Junior competitor will be acknowledged during the awards ceremony on Saturday! Please remember to wear your Sunday best as you celebrate your accomplishments — you’ve earned it!